Cadet twins train with paratroopers

Summer training for West Point cadets consists of many military, academic and physical training opportunities that serve to enrich the academy’s comprehensive, 47-month leadership experience.

One of the cornerstone events for rising junior and senior cadets is Cadet Troop Leader Training, a three-week event which gives cadets the opportu­nity to observe active-duty lieutenants leading their platoons and sections through rigorous and real­istic training.

Twin brothers Julian and Jordan Crocket, cadets and members of the Army football team, experienced CTLT at Fort Bragg, June 16 through July 3.

Julian, a kick returner and foreign area studies major, was attached to 1st Lt.

During his CTLT rotation Julian observed a heavy drop consisting of four humvees and an M119A2 howitzer over Sicily Drop Zone on June 20. He also helped de­rig, emplace and lay the howitzer.

An artillery branch hope­ful, Julian said he reveled in the opportunity to see an artillery unit in action.

“Watching the platoon operate was eye-opening, and it was neat to see the leadership problem-solving and working together on the drop zone,” Julian said.

The paratroopers of 1st Platoon, Battery A, were also able to learn from Julian when he led physi­cal training, incorporating football drills and plyomet­rics into the session.

Jordan, a cornerback and engineering management major within the Systems Engineering Department, was attached to the 82nd Combat Aviation Bri­gade. An aspiring Army aviator, Jordan said his CTLT gave him tremen­dous insight into the daily operations of a profes­sional, lethal and effective aviation company.

“I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to operate one of the UH-60 Black Hawk or OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopters on a daily basis, and I’m really looking forward to having the chance to ride in a Black Hawk while I’m here on Fort Bragg,” Jordan said.

West Point cadets spend countless hours during their experience discuss­ing leadership in today’s Army. CTLT gives them an understanding of what’s expected of them as platoon leaders.